The Festival began as a one-night event, SWEET, in the fall of 2007. In 2008, Festival Founder and Director, Lee Brian Schrager (Vice President, Corporate Communications and National Events at Southern Wine & Spirits of America) launched the inaugural Festival that has quickly grown to mirror the success of its sister festival, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE.

Echoing the charitable component of South Beach, the New York City Festival benefits the hunger-relief programs of Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength®. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from the Festival go directly to these community-based organizations.

In 2012, the Festival weekend (Thursday, October 11 through Sunday, October 14, 2012) will once again bring together the world’s greatest chefs, winemakers, spirits producers and personalities to educate palates and entertain patrons in high style—all while helping to fight hunger.